BROWNWOOD – June 19, 2025 – Howard Payne University President Dr. Cory Hines, staff member Sareta Delgado and student Aniyah O’Neal took part in the Brownwood Community Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19. HPU also served as a sponsor for the community-wide event.
Delgado, copy center and mailroom coordinator, participated in the committee that planned the Juneteenth Celebration, which is taking place June 19-22.
“Our theme for the weekend is unity and strength,” she said. “With unity and strength, we are one.”
On Thursday, a luncheon was hosted at the Brownwood Event Center to kick off the weekend’s activities. Dr. Hines led the invocation for the event, while Delgado led the benediction.
“I am so excited at HPU’s participation in this year’s celebration,” said Delgado. “With Dr. Hines leading the invocation and me the benediction, along with Aniyah’s performance, HPU is very involved in this weekend’s activities.”
During the luncheon O’Neal, a social work major from Bay City, performed an original spoken word poem.
“Spoken word is special to me because it’s a form of poetry that puts emphasis on its oral nature and its message is usually justice related,” said O’Neal.
O’Neal was grateful to participate in this event and excited that the Brownwood community joined together to celebrate Juneteenth.
“I think it’s important we celebrate this as a community because community is what our country is made of,” she said.
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Cutline: HPU student Aniyah O’Neal presents spoken word at the Brownwood Community Juneteenth Celebration. (Photo by Jarvis Green)